irritable bowel syndrome

noun

: a chronic functional disorder of the colon that is characterized especially by constipation or diarrhea, cramping abdominal pain, and the passage of mucus in the stool

—abbreviation IBS

Examples of irritable bowel syndrome in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Those effects may include bloating, gas, and worsening of symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome or gastroesophageal reflux disease. —John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025

Furthermore, for some people, seltzer and other carbonated beverages can cause bloating or gas — and for those who struggle with digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the fizzy beverages can exacerbate their symptoms. —Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 22 Jan. 2025

The experience can resemble irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), McConville says. —Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 3 Mar. 2025

Fiber is tricky territory for some people, including folks with a functional GI condition like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). —Erica Sloan, SELF, 19 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for irritable bowel syndrome

• acrosome
• aerodrome
• catacomb
• centrosome
• chromosome
• cytochrome
• hippodrome
• honeycomb
• liposome
• meerschaum
• metronome
• microtome

Medical Definition

irritable bowel syndrome

noun

: a chronic functional disorder of the colon that is of unknown etiology but is often associated with abnormal intestinal motility and increased sensitivity to visceral pain and that is characterized by diarrhea or constipation or diarrhea alternating with constipation, abdominal pain or discomfort, abdominal bloating, and passage of mucus in the stool

—abbreviation IBS

called also irritable colon, irritable colon syndrome, mucous colitis, spastic colon